Activists hang sign off I-5 bridge

A group of activists rappelled off the I-5 bridge to hang a sign protesting the proposed fossil fuel terminal at the Port of Vancouver.

This week the Port of Vancouver commissioners approved a $45 million lease for slightly more than 40 acres of oil terminal facilities. Supporters say it will create 200 good-paying jobs, while opponents are concerned about the environmental impact.

The plan would have trains bring the oil to the ports, which would then be transferred onto ships on the river. The proposal is now with the Washington Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council.

On Saturday, as hundreds of people gathered to protest the plan, three activists from the group Rising Tide rappelled off the bridge and hung a banner that read Coal. Oil. Gas. None Shall Pass while people below formed a blockade.

Hundreds of people gathered to protest a plan to bring oil, coal and gas through the Port of Vancouver, July 27, 2013 (KOIN 6 News)

The activists said the protest was peaceful and symbolic, police said it was illegal and dangerous  though no one was arrested. It was unclear which police agency had jurisdiction for this protest.

None of the activists agreed to an on-camera interview with KOIN 6 News, but they said theyre willing to spend a night in jail to get their point across. In a press release they said they will consider nonviolent civil disobedience as a method of continued protest.